Congress Splits Opposition Vote in Tripura Civic Polls

Agartala: Congress officially parted ways with the Left Front for the upcoming Tripura urban body elections. The party declared 49 candidates for the 51-ward Agartala Municipal Corporation on Wednesday, ignoring hopes for a united anti-BJP front. Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee president Asish Kumar Saha confirmed the list and said the remaining two names will arrive soon. The filing deadline was November 6.

The rift exposes tension between the two groups. Senior legislator Sudip Roy Barman slammed the Left for filing nominations on November 1 without a formal agreement. “We are not an ally partner at the stature of CPI, RSP, or Forward Bloc in Tripura,” Barman said. He also pledged that Congress will skip plastic flex banners to save city air quality.

Left leaders insist the door remains open. CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury claimed the party filed early nominations only to prevent BJP walkovers. “Our discussions with the Congress are still ongoing, and we are ready to step back and sacrifice one or two steps if necessary,” Chaudhury said. Left Front convener Manik Dey confirmed the parties held several rounds of talks and filed in only 29 to 30 Agartala wards to leave space for Congress.

Security tensions linger. Congress leaders allege intimidation of candidates in Mohanpur, Jirania, and Kamalpur. State Election Commissioner Pradip Kumar Chakravarty denied these claims, stating that Returning Officers reported no obstructions. He promised full security for all nominees.

The State Election Commission has deployed 23 observers to monitor the process across four subdivisions. These officials will oversee ballot scrutiny, police stations, and polling arrangements. The commission expects five reports from each observer throughout the election cycle.

A total of 879 candidates filed 1,109 nomination papers for 21 civic bodies. The BJP is contesting all 345 wards, while the CPI(M) and Congress have fielded candidates in 263 and 221 wards, respectively. Scrutiny begins November 7. Candidates have until November 10 to withdraw. Voters head to the polls on November 27, and results drop on December 2.